Spotting patterns
Researchers studying snow leopards first
use traditional clues, such as tracks and
droppings, to discover the cats’ habitual
routes and resting places. They then set
up their sensor camera in places the felines
are likely to visit. It may be weeks or even
months before a snow leopard passes
the same way again or before the scientist
can return for the images, so the cameras
need to be tough and able to withstand
sub-zero temperatures.
Each snow leopard has a unique pattern
of spots. To identify an individual beyond
doubt, you need to see the patterns on both sides of its body. In
early research, two cameras
were set up at each location
in order to photograph the
animal from both sides.
Now, with passive infrared,
a single camera can usually
achieve this as the cat
moves around.
Scientists study the
downloaded images
carefully, matching the
snow leopard’s pattern
against a database of
animals known from
previous surveys.
The more
images they have to work
with, the better. Computer
software can confirm
an animal’s identity, and
algorithms can estimate the number of snow leopards
within the area surveyed.
Armed with these tools,
our knowledge of snow
leopards and our ability
to protect them are both
increasing rapidly.
Sascha Fonseca leaves
the data-crunching to the
scientists. He contributes to
snow leopard conservation
in his own unique way.
“By sharing their beauty with
the world, I hope to raise
awareness of their existence
and the importance of
protecting their habitats,”
he says. Anyone seeing
his spectacular images
must surely feel that same amazing inspiration.
